Research in Astronomy – (M.Sc.)

The Masters degree by research develops your subject expertise and independent research skills over a period of one year full-time (or two years part-time). You would undertake a substantial, original research project for the duration of the degree, under the supervision and guidance of an academic member of staff.

Your supervisor provides guidance both in the selection of a research topic and in the conduct of the research. You are also supported by attendance at a postgraduate seminar series to develop subject specific knowledge and research skills relevant to the physical sciences. The degree is assessed solely on the basis of the final research output, in the form of a written thesis which must be "defended" in a viva.

The MSc by Research is a highly valued postgraduate research degree which develops and demonstrates the student´s ability to work independently on original research, and is completed within one year. It serves a valuable role both for students seeking such postgraduate development prior to entering the workforce, or as preparation for a higher research degree - the PhD.

The MSc by Research is valued as a research degree attainable over one year, and also provides a valuable bridge between a taught undergraduate programme and a research-intensive PhD.

Graduates with this degree will be able to demonstrate to employers a highly-valued ability to work independently on a substantial and challenging original project, and will have developed much sought after research skills.